Many people don't realize just how important and dynamic Krakow is, but it is considered to be one of the leading scientific, cultural, and artistic centers of the country, and once served as the residence of the king and as the national capital. With a history spanning more than 1,000 years, Krakow is respected as the spiritual heart of Poland, and it is a major center for international tourism, with seven million visitors a year adding to the 1.4 million residents.
The city blends natural beauty perfectly by sitting on the Vistula River at the foot of Wawel Hill. Water and mountains: It doesn't get much better than that. The multitude of ancient castles, churches, and squares aren't hard on the eyes either, and allow visitors to disappear into a venerable fairytale of breathtaking sights with some buildings appearing European, others appearing Russian, and some completely unique.
Wawel Hill, in addition to offering a perfect view of the city below, also holds historical significance. It was the site of the first settlement in Krakow way back in the 4th Century. If you were to believe the legend, a powerful ruler named Krak established the town over a cave occupied by a monstrous dragon. Beyond that legend, the city was first mentioned in the 8th Century, and the name Krakow was first used in 966, long after the supposed dragon stalked the land. Just 200 years later, the city was established as a major center of trade, and the Piast dynasty of Poland officially took over, authorizing the construction of buildings made of brick, even castles and basilicas, and by 1038, Krakow was honored as the seat of the Polish government.
The city was almost completed destroyed twice, once by the Tatars and once by the Mongols, but was rebuilt both times, always nearly identical to its original version, and rose to even greater prominence in the 14th Century, when 'Casimir III of Poland founded the University of Krakow, the second university in central Europe.' Eventually, Napolean Bonaparte rose to power and took this beautiful and culturally rich city as part of his empire, but the Congress of Vienna stripped it from him in 1815, and gave the city, 'independence as the Free City of Krakow,' (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krakow). Following the Austro-Prussian War of 1866, Krakow was officially Poland's, and was allowed to prosper to the breathtaking province it is today, even garnering such nicknames as 'the Polish Athens' and 'the Polish Mecca.'
What does this long history lesson teach us? That the residents of Krakow have every right to be proud of their glorious city, and study abroad students should feel lucky to experience this proud culture, even if it's for three weeks or so. The architecture is very Renaissance, the land is very rich, what with its bright water and towering mountains, and it keeps its sanity while housing two personalities: a jovial one with exciting night life and charming cafes, and a somber one with sights such as the Auschwitz Nazi concentration camp.
With all the architectural and natural beauties, and the deeply engrained and culturally enriching history, as well as 18 university-level institutions, the Royal Capital City of Krakow is a spectacular location for any study abroad student looking for adventure.
